॥श्रीरामोदन्तं॥
Story of Sri Rama

(Sanskrit text and English Translation)

E-book published by
http://hinduebooks.blogspot.com
First Edition: July 2010

Table of Content

FOREWORD 4
अथ बालकाण्डः॥ 6
अथ अयोध्याकाण्डः॥ 20
अथ आरण्यकाण्डः॥ 27
अथ किष्किन्धाकाण्डः॥ 37
अथ सुन्दरकाण्डः॥ 44
अथ युद्धकाण्डः॥ 49
अथ उत्तरकाण्डः॥ 71

Foreword
The term 'Sriramodantam' is composed of the words 'Srirama' and 'udantam' meaning 'the story of Srirama'. Sriramodantam is a 'laghukavyam' (minor poetical composition) that has been in use as the first text in old Sanskrit curriculum of Kerala for last five centuries. As per this curriculum the students were taught this text along with Amarakosa and Siddharoopam immediately after they had learnt the Sanskrit alphabets (Varnamala). This Kavya, which is a highly abridged version of “Valmiki Ramayana”, was used as a tool to teach effectively Vibhakti, Sandhi, Samasa , etc to young pupils.

There will hardly be a Sanskrit knowing person from Kerala who does not know by-heart at least a few verses of this work, which begins with the verse "श्रीपतिं प्रणिपत्याहं श्रीवत्साङ्कितवक्षसं श्रीरामोदन्तमाख्यास्ये श्रीवाल्मीकिप्रकीर्त्तितम्". Though the traditional style of teaching Sanskrit exists no more in Kerala, the 'balakanda' of Sriramodantam found a place in the Sanskrit text books prepared by the State board till a few decades back. This shows how significant a role this work had played in imparting basic lessons of Sanskrit to the young minds.

It is a great pity that the author of Sriramodantam is unknown. The author, in his inimitable and simple style, has narrated, in just 200 verses, the seven kandas of Ramayana that was expounded by Valmiki in 24000 verses.

Any suggestion for improving this translation is welcome.
- Translator 
॥श्रीरामोदन्तं॥
(Story of Sri Rama)
अथ बालकाण्डः॥
The Chapter on Childhood

श्रीपतिं प्रणिपत्याहं श्रीवत्साङ्कितवक्षसम्।
श्रीरामोदन्तमाख्यास्ये श्रीवाल्मीकिप्रकीर्तितम् ॥१॥

Bowing to Lakshmi’s consort, Vishnu, who has a mark, Srivatsa, on his chest, I shall relate the story of Sri Rama, as narrated by Valmiki.

पुरा विश्रवसः पुत्रो, रावणो नाम राक्षसः।
आसीदस्यानुजौ चास्तां कुंभकर्णविभीषणौ ॥२॥

Long ago there was a Rakshasa named Ravana who was the son of sage Visravas. Ravana’s younger brothers were Kumbhakarna and Vibheeshana.

ते तु तीव्रेण तपसा प्रत्यक्षीकृत्य वेधसम्।
वव्रिरे च वरानिष्टानस्मादाश्रितवत्सलात्॥३॥

By their severe penance, they made Brahma appear before them and asked for desired boons from Brahma who is affectionate towards his devotees.

रावणो मानुषादन्यैः अवध्यत्वं तथानुजाः।
निर्देवत्वेच्छया निद्रां कुंभकर्णोऽवृणीत च ॥४॥

Ravana chose not to be killed by anyone except humans. Kumbhakarna wanted to surpass all devas, instead asked for constant sleep, by slip of tongue .

विभीषणो विष्णुभक्तिं वव्रे सत्वगुणान्वितः।
तेभ्य एतान्‍ वरान्‍ दत्वा तत्रैवान्तर्दधे प्रभुः ॥५॥

Vibheeshana, who was endowed with noble qualities, asked for devotion to Vishnu. Giving them these boons, Brahma disappeared.

रावणस्तु ततो गत्वा रणे जित्वा धनाधिपं।
लङ्कापुरीं पुष्पकं च हृत्वा तत्रावसत् सुखम् ॥६॥
Ravana then won a battle against the Lord of riches, Kubera, took from him the city of Lanka and the Pushpaka and lived there happily.

यातुधानास्ततः सर्वे रसातलनिवासिनः।
दशाननं समाश्रित्य लङ्कां च सुखमावसन्॥७॥

Then, all the Rakshasas who were living in Rasatala took refuge in ten-headed Ravana and lived happily in Lanka.

मन्दोदरीं मयसुतां परिणीय दशाननः।
तस्यामुत्पादयामास मेघनादाह्वयं सुतम् ॥८॥

Ravana married Mandodari, daughter of Maya, and begot a son in her called, Meghanada.

रसां रसातलं चैव विजित्य स तु रावणः।
लोकामाक्रामयन् सर्वान् जहार च विलासिनीः ॥९॥

Ravana conquered the earth and Rasatala, tormented all the worlds and carried away the beautiful women.
दूषयन् वैदिकं कर्म द्विजान् अर्दयति स्म सः।
आत्मजेनान्वितो युद्धे वासवं चाप्यपीडयत् ॥१०॥

Dishonoring the Vedic rituals, Ravana oppressed the twice-born . Accompanied by his son, he defeated Devendra in battle.

तदीयतरुरत्नानि पुनरानाय्य किङ्करैः।
स्थापयित्वा तु लङ्कायामवसच्च चिराय सः ॥११॥

Fetching the wish-yielding trees (from Heaven) through his servants, Ravana planted them in Lanka and lived there for a long time.

ततस्तस्मिन्नवसरे विधातारं दिवौकसः।
उपगम्योचिरे सर्वं रावणस्य विचेष्टितम् ॥१२॥

Devas , then, approached Brahma and related to him all the misdeeds of Ravana.

तदाकर्ण्य सुरैस्साकं प्राप्य दुग्धोदधेस्तटम्।
तुष्टाव च हृषीकेशं विधाता विविधैः स्तवैः॥१३॥

Having heard their woes, Brahma went with devas to the shores of the ocean of milk , propitiated Vishnu by various hymns.

आविर्भूयाथ दैत्यारिः पप्रच्छ च पितामहम्।
किमर्थमागतोऽसि त्वं साकं देवगणैरिति ॥१४॥

Then Vishnu, the enemy of Asuras, appeared before them and asked Brahma why he had come there with devas.

ततो दशाननात् पीडामजस्तस्मै न्यवेदयत्।
तच्छ्रुत्वोवाच धातारं हर्षयन् विष्टरश्रवाः ॥१५॥
अलं भयेनात्मयोने गच्छ देवगणैस्सह।
अहं दाशरथिर्भूत्वा हनिष्यामि दशाननम् ॥१६॥
आत्मांशैश्च सुरास्सर्वे भूमौ वानररूपिणः।
जायेरन्मशम साहाय्यं कर्तुं रावणनिग्रहे ॥१७॥

Then Brahma told Vishnu about the troubles caused by Ravana. Hearing that, Vishnu cheered up Brahma and said:
“Enough of the fears, Oh Brahma, go back along with devas. I will take birth as son of King Dasaratha and will kill the ten-headed Ravana.”

“Let all devas, through part of their souls , take birth as monkeys on the earth to help me in slaying Ravana.”

एवमुक्त्वा विधातारं तत्रैवान्तर्दधे प्रभुः।
पद्मयोनिस्तु गी‍र्वाणैस्समं प्रायात् प्रहृष्टधीः ॥१८॥

Having spoken thus to Brahma, Vishnu disappear- ed. Brahma gladly went back along with devas.

अजीजनत्ततो शक्रो वालिनं नाम वानरम्।
सुग्रीवमपि मार्ताण्डो हनुमन्तं च मारुतः ॥१९॥

Devendra created a monkey named Vali, Sun created Sugreeva and Vayu created Hanuman.

पुरैव जनयामास जाम्बवन्तं च पद्मजः।
एवमन्ये च विबुधाः कपीनजनयन् बहून् ॥२०॥

Brahma had created Jambavan long ago. Similarly all other devas created numerous monkeys.

ततो वानरसंघानां बालिः परिवृढोऽभवत्।
अमीभिरखिलैस्साकं किष्किन्धामध्युवास च ॥२१॥

Vali became the leader of those monkeys and with all of them inhabited Kishkindha .

आसीद्दशरथो नाम सूर्यवंशेऽथ पार्थिवः।
भार्यास्तिस्रोपि लब्ध्वासौ तासु लेभे न सन्ततिम् ॥२२॥

There was a king called Dasaratha who belonged to the clan of the sun. Though he had three wives, he had no sons.

ततः सुमन्त्रवचनाद् ऋष्यशृंगं स भूपतिः।
आनीय पुत्रकामेष्टिं आरेभे सपुरोहितः ॥२३॥

Then, on the advice of Sumantra , he brought sage Rishyasringa and got Putrakameshti conducted with Rishyasringa as the priest.

अथाग्नेरुत्थितः कश्चिद् गृहीत्वा पायसं चरुम् ।
एतत्प्राशय पत्नीस्त्वं इत्युक्त्वाऽदान्नृपाय सः ॥२४॥

From the fire arose a divine being, holding in his hand a cup of milk porridge and gave it to the king saying “Feed this to your wives.”

तद्गृहीत्वा तदैवासौ पत्नीः प्राशयदुत्सुकः।
ताश्च तत्प्राशनादेव नृपाद्गर्भमधारयन् ॥२५॥

He took it and fed his wives the porridge immediately. As a result, the queens became pregnant through the king.

पूर्णे कालेऽथ कौसल्या सज्जनांभोजभास्करम्।
अजीजनद्रामचन्द्रं कैकेयी भरतं तथा ॥२६॥
In due course, Kausalya gave birth to Ramachandra, who was a source of joy to virtuous men like Sun to lotus. Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata.
ततो लक्षणशत्रुघ्नौ सुमित्राजीजनत् सुतौ।
अकारयत्पिता तेषां जातकर्मादिकं द्विजैः ॥२७॥

Then, Sumitra gave birth to twins, Lakshmana and Satrughna. The king got their birth-ceremonies and other rituals performed by the priests.

ततो ववृधिरेऽन्योन्यं स्निग्धाश्चत्वार एव ते।
सकलासु च विद्यासु नैपुण्यमभिलेभिरे ॥२८॥

The four princes grew up and were affectionate with one another. They gained mastery in all branches of learning.

ततः कदाचिदागत्य विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः।
ययाचे यज्ञरक्षार्थं रामं शक्तिधरोपमम् ॥२९॥

Then, one day the great sage Viswamitra visited the king and desiring protection (from the Rakshasas) of his Yajnas he sought the help of Rama who was equal to Kartikeya in valour.

वसिष्ठवचनाद्रामं लक्ष्मणेन समन्वितम्।
कृच्छ्रेण नृपतिस्तस्य कौशिकस्य करे ददौ ॥३०॥

As advised by Vasishtha the king, with great sorrow, entrusted Rama and Lakshmana to Kausika .

तौ गृहीत्वा ततो गच्छन् बलामतिबलां तथा।
अस्त्राणि च समग्राणि ताभ्यामुपदिदेश सः ॥३१॥

Taking them with him, he taught them the chants of Bala and Atibala as well as all the divine astras .

गच्छन् सहानुजो रामः कौशिकेन प्रचोदितः।
ताटकामवधीद्धीमान् लोकपीडनतत्परां ॥३२॥

While proceeding along with his brother, Rama, at the behest of Kausika, killed Tadaka who was harassing people.

ततः सिद्धाश्रमं प्राप्य कौशिकस्सह राघवः।
अध्वरं च समारेभे राक्षसाश्च समागमन् ॥३३॥

Then, Kausika along with Rama reached Siddhasrama. As the Yajna started the Rakshasas appeared.

राघवस्तु ततोऽस्त्रेण क्षिप्त्वा मारीचमर्णवे।
सुबाहुप्रमुखान् हत्वा यज्ञं चापालयन्मुनेः ॥३४॥

With an astra Rama hurled Maricha into the ocean, killed the Rakshasas led by Subahu and protected the Yajna of the sage.

कौशिकेन ततो रामो नीयमानः सहानुजः।
अहल्याशापनिर्मोक्षं कृत्वा संप्राप मैथिलम् ॥३५॥

Then, led by Kausika, Rama along with his brother, after redeeming Ahalya of her curse, went to the king of Mithila.

जनकेनार्चितो रामः कौशिकेन प्रचोदितः।
सीतानिमित्तमानीतं बभञ्ज धनुरैश्वरम् ॥३६॥

There, Rama was received with respect by Janaka . At the behest of Kausika Rama broke the bow of Siva kept in connection with the marriage of Sita .

ततो दशरथं दूतैरानाय्य मिथिलाधिपः।
रामादिभ्यस्तत्सुतेभ्यः सीताद्याः कन्यका ददौ ॥३७॥

Then, the King of Mithila invited Dasaratha through his messengers and gave away Sita and her cousins (in marriage) to Rama and his brothers.

ततो गुरुनियोगेन कृतोद्वाहः सहानुजः।
राघवो निर्ययौ तेन जनकेनोरु मानितः ॥३८॥

Having married, at the bidding of his elders, Rama and his brothers returned (to Ayodhya) after being greatly honoured by Janaka.

तदाकर्ण्य धनुर्भंगं आयान्तं रोषभीषणम्।
विजित्य भार्गवं रामं अयोध्यां प्राप राघवः ॥३९॥
After defeating the furious Bhargavarama who came to Rama upon hearing about the breaking of the bow of Siva, Rama returned to Ayodhya.

ततः सर्वजनानन्दं कुर्वाणश्चेष्टितैः स्वकैः।
तामध्युवास काकुत्स्थस्सीतया सहितस्सुखम् ॥४०॥

Then Rama, the prince of the Kakutstha clan, who brought happiness to everyone by his actions, lived in Ayodhya happily with Sita.

॥ इति श्रीरामोदन्ते बालकाण्डः समाप्तः ॥
Thus ends the chapter on childhood of Rama

अथ अयोध्याकाण्डः॥
The Chapter on Ayodhya

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे गेहं मातुलस्य युधाजितः।
प्रययौ भरतः प्रीतः शत्रुघ्नेन समन्वितः ॥१॥

Meanwhile Bharata along with Satrughna went to the house of his uncle Yudhajit.

ततः प्रकृतिभिः साकं मन्त्रयित्वा स भूपतिः।
अभिषेकाय रामस्य समारेभे मुदाऽन्वितः ॥२॥

Then the king, after consulting with his ministers, started with joy preparations for coronation of Rama.

कैकेयी तु महीपालं मन्थरादूषिताशया।
वरद्वयं पुरा दत्तं ययाचे सत्यसंगरम् ॥३॥

Her mind being corrupted by Manthara, Kaikeyi requested the honest king for two boons formerly promised to her by him.

वनवासाय रामस्य राज्याप्त्यै भरतस्य च।
तस्या वरद्वयं कृच्छ्रमनुजज्ञे महीपतिः ॥४॥

The king gave her the two vicious boons of Rama’s remaining in the forest and Bharata’s getting the kingdom.

रामं तदैव कैकेयी वनवासाय चादिशत्।
अनुज्ञाप्य गुरून् सर्वान् निर्ययौ च वनाय सः ॥५॥

Kaikeyi immediately ordered Rama to go to the forest. Rama took leave of all the elders and proceeded to the forest.

दृष्ट्वा तं निर्गतं सीता लक्ष्मणश्चानुजग्मतुः।
संत्यज्य स्वगृहान् सर्वे पौराश्चानुययुर्द्रुतम् ॥६॥

Seeing him leaving, Sita and Lakshmana followed him. Leaving their houses at once, all the citizens (of Ayodhya) also followed Rama.

वञ्चयित्वा कृशान् पौरान् निद्राणान् निशि राघवः।
वाह्यमानं सुमन्त्रेण रथमारुह्य चागमत् ॥७॥

Deceiving the dejected citizens sleeping at night, Raghava departed in a chariot driven by Sumantra.

शृंगिबेरपुरं गत्वा गंगाकूलेऽथ राघवः।
गुहेन सत्कृतस्तत्र निशामेकामुवास च ॥८॥

Reaching Sringiberapuram on the banks of Ganges, Rama stayed there for overnight accepting the hospitality of Guha .

सारथिं सन्निमन्त्र्यासौ सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुतः।
गुहेनानीतया नावा संततार च जाह्नवीम् ॥९॥
Taking leave of the charioteer Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, crossed the river Ganges in a boat rowed by Guha.

भरद्वाजमुनिं प्राप्य तं नत्वा तेन सत्कृतः।
राघवस्तस्य निर्देशात् चित्रकूटेऽवसत् सुखम् ॥१०॥

On reaching (the hermitage of) sage Bharadwaja, Rama paid obeisance to the sage and was welcomed by the sage. As advised by him, Rama lived happily in Chitrakoota .

अयोध्यां तु ततो गत्वा सुमन्त्रः शोकविह्वलः।
राज्ञे न्यवेदयत्सर्वं राघवस्य विचेष्टितम् ॥११॥

Then Sumantra, grief-stricken, went back to Ayodhya and told the king all details about Raghava.

तदाकर्ण्य सुमन्त्रोक्तं राजा दुःखविमूढधीः।
रामरामेति विलपन् देहं त्वक्त्वा दिवं ययौ ॥१२॥
Hearing Sumantra’s words, the king’s mind was drowned in great sorrow. Crying “Rama, Rama”, the king left his body and went to heaven.

मन्त्रिणस्तु वसिष्ठोक्त्या देहं संरक्ष्य भूपतेः।
दूतैरानाययामासुः भरतं मातुलालयात् ॥१३॥

At the instance of Vasishtha, the ministers preserved the body of the king and sent messengers and brought Bharata from his uncle’s house.

भरतस्तु मृतं श्रुत्वा पितरं कैकेयीगिरा।
संस्कारादि चकारास्य यथाविधि सहानुजः ॥१४॥

Hearing of the death of his father from Kaikeyi, Bharata, along with his younger brother, duly performed the king’s cremation and funeral ceremonies.

अमात्यैश्चोद्यमानोपि राज्याय भरतस्तथा।
वनायैव ययौ राममानेतुं नागरैस्सह ॥१५॥

In spite of persuasion by the ministers, Bharata, along with the citizens, went to the forest to bring Rama back.

स गत्वा चित्रकूटस्थं रामं चीरजटाधरं।
ययाचे रक्षितुं राज्यं वसिष्ठाद्यैः द्विजैस्सह ॥१६॥

After reaching Rama who was staying in Chitrakoota wearing bark and matted hair, Bharata requested him to rule the kingdom assisted by Vasishtha and other Brahmins.

चतुर्दश समा नीत्वा पुनरैष्याम्यहं पुरीम्।
इत्युक्त्वा पादुके दत्वा तं रामं प्रत्ययापयत् ॥१७॥

Rama assured Bharata that he would return to the city after staying in the forest for fourteen years, gave his sandals and sent him back.

गृहीत्वा पादुके तस्मात् भरतो दीनमानसः।
नन्दिग्रामे स्थितस्ताभ्यां ररक्ष च वसुन्धराम् ॥१८॥

Taking the sandals from Rama with a dejected heart, Bharata ruled the country living in Nandigrama.

राघवस्तु गिरेस्तस्मात् गत्वात्रिं समवन्दत।
तत्पत्निस्तु तदा सीतां भूषणैः स्वैरभूषयत् ॥१९॥

Rama then went from the mountain (Chitrakoota) to the sage Atri and paid respects to him. The sage’s wife then adorned Sita with her own ornaments.

उषित्वा तु निशामेकां आश्रमे तस्य राघवः।
विवेश दण्डकारण्यं सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुतः ॥२०॥

After spending a night in the hermitage (of the sage Atri), Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana, entered the Dandaka forest.

॥ इति श्रीरामोदन्ते अयोद्ध्याकाण्डः समाप्तः॥
Thus ends the Chapter on Ayodhya of Sri Ramodantam.

अथ आरण्यकाण्डः॥
The Chapter of the Forest

व्रजन् वनेन काकुत्स्थो विराधं विधिचोदितम्।
सदारानुजमात्मानं हरन्तमवधीत् तदा ॥१॥

While travelling in the forest, Rama killed ill-fated Viradha who (after attacking them) was carrying Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita.

शरभंगाश्रमं प्राप्य स्वर्गतिं तस्य वीक्ष्य सः।
प्रतिजज्ञे राक्षसानां वधं मुनिभिरर्थितः ॥२॥

He then went the hermitage of Sarabhanga, witnessed his departure to the heaven and vowed to kill the Rakshasas at the request of sages.

तस्मात् गत्वा सुतीक्ष्णं च प्रणम्यानेन पूजितः।
अगस्त्याश्रमं प्राप्य तं नमाम रघूत्तमः ॥३॥

From there Rama went to the sage Suteekshna, saluted him and was honoured by him. Thereafter he reached the hermitage of the sage Agastya and saluted him.

रामाय वैष्णवं चापं ऐन्द्रं तूणीयुगं तथा।
ब्राह्मं चास्त्रं च खड्गं च प्रददौ कुंभसंभवः ॥४॥

The sage, who was born from a pot, gave Rama the bow of Lord Vishnu, pair of quivers of Indra and the arrow and sword of Brahma.

ततः स गच्छन् काकुत्स्थः समागम्य जटायुषम्।
वैदेह्याः पालनायैनं श्रद्धधे पितृवल्लभम् ॥५॥

Then Rama went and met Jatayu, a friend of his father, and entrusted him with the protection of Sita.

ततः पञ्चवटीं प्राप्य तत्र लक्ष्मणनिर्मिताम्।
पर्णशालामध्युवास सीतया सहितः सुखम् ॥६॥

Then he reached Panchavati and lived happily with Sita, in a leaf-hut built by Lakshmana.

तत्राभ्येत्यैकदा रामं वव्रे शूर्पणखाऽभिका।
तन्निरस्ता लक्ष्मणं च वव्रे सो‍ऽपि निराकरोत् ॥७॥

There Rama was once approached by the lustful Soorpanakha . On being rejected by him, she chose Lakshmana who too rejected her.

राममेव ततो वव्रे कामार्ता कामसन्निभम्।
पुनश्च धिक्कृता तेन सीतामभ्यद्रवद्रुषा ॥८॥

Thereupon, the lustful rakshasi again chose Rama who was handsome like Manmatha and upon being rejected again the rakshasi attacked Sita in anger.

लक्ष्मणेन ततो रोषात् क्रत्तश्रवणनासिका।
सा तु गत्वा जनस्थानं खरायैतन्न्यवेदयत् ॥९॥

Then her (Soorpanakha) nose and ears were cut off by Lakshmana in anger. She went to Janasthana and narrated the incidents to Khara .
तदाकर्ण्य खरः क्रुद्धो राघवं हन्तुमाययौ।
दूषणत्रिशिरोमुख्यैर्यातुधानैः समन्वितः॥१०॥

Upon hearing this, wrathful Khara, along with an army of Rakshasas led by Dhooshana and Trisira , came to kill Raghava.

तत्क्षणं लक्ष्मणे सीतां निधाय रघुनन्दनः।
खरं सहानुगं संख्ये जघान लघुविक्रमः ॥११॥

Immediately entrusting Sita to the care of Lakshmana, Rama, embodiment of easy valour, killed Khara along with his followers.

ततः शूर्पणखा गत्वा लङ्कां शोकसमन्विता।
न्यवेदयद्रावणाय वृत्तान्तं सर्वमादितः ॥१२॥
Then Soorpanakha, full or sorrow, went to Lanka and recounted all the happenings to Ravana.

तच्छ्रुत्वा रावणः सीतां हर्तुं कृतमतिस्तदा।
मारीचस्याश्रमं प्राप्य साहाय्ये तमचोदयत् ॥१३॥

Hearing this Ravana made up his mind to abduct Sita. Reaching the hermitage of Maricha Ravana demanded his help.

सोऽपि स्वर्णमृगो भूत्वा सीताया प्रमुखेऽचरत्।
सा तु तं मृगमाहर्तुं भर्तारं समयाचत ॥१४॥

Taking the form of a golden deer, he roamed in front of Sita and she urged her husband to get her that deer.

नियुज्य लक्ष्मणं सीतां रक्षितुं रघुनन्दनः।
अन्वगच्छत् मृगं तूर्णं द्रवन्तं काननान्तरे॥।१५॥
Entrusting Sita to Lakshmana’s care, Rama chased the deer which was running fast deep into the forest.

विव्याध च मृगं रामः स निजरूपमास्थितः।
हा सीते लक्ष्मणेत्येवं रुदन् प्राणान् समत्यजत् ॥१६॥

Rama killed the deer and Maricha assumed his true form and gave up his life screaming, “Oh Sita, Oh Lakshmana” .
एतदाकर्ण्य वैदेह्या लक्ष्मणश्चोदितो भृशम्।
तद्रक्षां देवताः प्रार्थ्य प्रययौ राघवान्तिकं ॥१७॥

Upon being repeatedly pressed by Sita on hearing this cry, Lakshmana prayed to the Devas for her safety and went in search of Rama.

तदन्तरं समासाद्य रावणो यतिरूपधृत्।
सीतां गृहीत्वा प्रययौ गगनेन मुदान्वितः ॥१८॥

Taking this opportunity, Ravana, assuming the form of an ascetic, went to Sita, caught hold of her and happily took her by air .

ततो जटायुरालोक्य नीयमानां तु जानकीम्।
प्राहरद्रावणं प्राप्य तुण्डपक्षनखैर्भृशम् ॥१९॥

Then, seeing Janaki being taken away, Jatayu fought Ravana ferociously with his beak, wings and nails.

छित्वैनं चन्द्रहासेन पातयित्वा च भूतले।
गृहीत्वा रावणः सीतां प्राविशन्निेजमन्दिरम् ॥२०॥

Ravana maimed him (Jatayu) with his sword Chandrahasa, felled him on the earth and took Sita to his palace.

अशोकवनिकामध्ये संस्थाप्य जनकात्मजाम्।
रावणो रक्षितुं चैनां नियुयोज निशाचरीः ॥२१॥

Having seated Sita in Asoka grove, Ravana bid Rakshasis to take care of her.

हत्वा रामस्तु मारीचं आगच्छन्ननुजेरिताम्।
वार्तामकर्ण्य दुःखार्तः पर्णशालामुपागमत् ॥२२॥

After slaying Maricha and hearing the happenings from Lakshmana whom he met on his way back, Rama returned to the hut grief stricken.

अदृष्ट्वा तत्र वैदेहीं विचिन्वानो वनान्तरे।
सहानुजो गृध्रराजं छिन्नपक्षं ददर्श सः ॥२३॥
Not seeing Sita in the hut, Rama and Lakshmana, while searching for Sita in the forest, saw Jatayu, the king of eagles, with his wings cut off.

तेनोक्तां जानकीवार्तां श्रुत्वा पश्चान्मृतं च तम्।
दग्ध्वा सहानुजो रामः चक्रे तस्योदकक्रियां ॥२४॥

Rama heard from him the news of Sita. Later, when Jatayu died, Rama and Lakshmana cremated his body and performed the obsequies.

आत्मनोऽभिभवं पश्चात् कुर्वतीं पथि लक्ष्मणः।
अयोमुखीं चकाराशु क्रत्तश्रवणनासिकाम् ॥२५॥

Later, Lakshmana swiftly cut off the ear and nose of Ayomukhi who insulted him on the way.

गृहीतौ तौ कबन्धेन भुजौ तस्य न्यकृन्तताम्।
ततस्तु याचितौ तेन तद्देहं देहतुश्च तौ ॥२६॥

Rama and Lakshmana cut off the hands of the demon Kabandha who had grabbed them and then, cremated his body at his request.

स तु दिव्याकृतिर्भूत्वा रामं सीतोपलब्धये।
सुग्रीवमृष्यमूकस्थं याहीत्युक्त्वा दिवं ययौ ॥२७॥

Assuming divine form he (Kabandha) departed for Heaven after telling Rama, in order to trace Sita, to go to Sugreeva, who was in Rishyamooka Mountain.

ततः प्रीतो रघुश्रेष्ठः शबर्याश्रममभ्ययात्।
तयाऽभिपूजितो पश्चात् पम्पां प्राप सलक्ष्मणः ॥२८॥

Then, Rama, comforted (by Kabandha’s words), went to the hermitage of Sabari. After being worshipped by her, Rama with Lakshmana reached Pampa.

॥ इति श्रीरामोदन्ते आरण्यकाण्डः समाप्तः ॥
Thus ends the Chapter on “Forest” of Sri Ramodantam.

अथ किष्किन्धाकाण्डः॥
Chapter on Kishkindha

हनूमानथ सुग्रीवनिर्दिष्टो रामलक्ष्मणौ।
प्राप्य श्रुत्वा च वृत्तान्तं तेन तौ समयोजयत् ॥१॥

Then, as ordered by Sugreeva, Hanuman came to Rama and Lakshmana and hearing their story he brought them to Sugreeva.

ततो रामस्य वृत्तान्तं सुग्रीवाय निवेद्य सः।
सख्यं च कारयामास तयोः पावकसन्निधौ ॥२॥

He, then, told Rama’s story to Sugreeva and made Rama and Sugreeva form a treaty in front of Fire .

प्रतिजज्ञे तदा रामो हनिष्यामीति वालिनम्।
दर्शयिष्यामि वैदेहीं इत्यन्येन च संश्रुतम् ॥३॥

Then, Rama vowed, “I will kill Vali “and Sugreeva promised, “I will trace out Vaidehi ”.
सुग्रीवेणाथ रामाय भ्रातृवैरस्य कारणम्।
निवेदितमशेषं च बलाधिक्यं च तस्य तत् ॥४॥

Then, Sugreeva told Rama the reason for his enmity with Vali and about the enormity of Vali’s strength.

तत्क्षणं दुन्दुभेः कायं सुग्रीवेण प्रदर्शितम्।
सुदूरं प्रेषयामास पादांगुष्ठेन राघवः ॥५॥

Sugreeva immediately showed him the body (skeleton) of Dundubhi and Rama kicked it with his toe to a great distance.

पुनश्च दर्शितांस्तेन सालान् सप्त रघूत्तमः।
बाणेनैकेन चिछेद सार्धं तस्यानुशङ्कया ॥६॥

He then showed seven Sala trees to Rama who pierced all of them with a single arrow and thus removed Sugreeva’s doubt (regarding Rama’s prowess).
किष्किन्धां प्राप्य सुग्रीवस्ततो रामसमन्वितः।
जगर्जातीवसंहृष्टः कोपयन् वानराधिपम् ॥७॥

Having reached Kishkindha along with Rama, Sugreeva roared with great joy provoking the king of monkeys.

वाली निष्क्रम्य सुग्रीवं समरेऽपीडयत् भृशम्।
सोऽपि संभग्नसर्वांगः प्राद्रवद्राघवान्तिकं ॥८॥

Vali came out and heavily injured Sugreeva in the duel. Wounded all over the body, Sugreeva ran to Rama.

कृतचिह्नस्तु रामेण पुनरेव स वालिनम्।
रणायाह्वयत क्षिप्रं तस्थौ रामस्तिरोहितः ॥९॥
Being given an identification mark by Rama, Sugreeva, before long, invited Vali to fight again while Rama stood in hiding.

हेममाली ततो वाली तारयाभिहितं हितम्।
निरस्य कुपितो भ्रात्रा रणं चक्रे सुदारुणम् ॥१०॥

Then, wrathful Vali, who was wearing a golden neck-lace, ignored the advice of Tara and fought a very fierce battle with his brother.

बाणेन वालिनं रामो विध्वा भूमौन्यपातयत्।
सोऽपि राम इति ज्ञात्वा देहं त्यक्त्वा दिवं ययौ ॥११॥

Rama hit Vali with an arrow and felled him to the ground. Recognizing that it was Rama (who had struck him) Vali left the body and went to Heaven.

पश्चात्तपन्तं सुग्रीवं समाश्वास्य रघूत्तमः।
वानराणामधिपतिं चकाराश्रितवत्सलः ॥१२॥

Rama, who is affectionate towards those who take refuge in him, consoled Sugreeva who was in remorse and made him the king of monkeys.

ततो माल्यवतः पृष्ठे रामो लक्ष्मणसंयुतः।
उवास चतुरो मासान् सीतविरहदुःखितः ॥१३॥

Thereafter, Rama lived on the Malyavat Mountain along with Lakshmana for four months saddened by the separation of Sita.

अथ रामस्य निर्देशात् लक्ष्मणो वानराधिपम्।
आनयत् प्लवगैः सार्धं हनूमत्प्रमुखैर्गिरिम् ॥१४॥

Then, as directed by Rama, Lakshmana brought Sugreeva along with the monkeys led by leaders like Hanuman (to Malyavat).

सुग्रीवो राघवं दृष्ट्वा वचनात्तस्य वानरान् ।
न्ययुङ्क्त सीतामन्वेष्टुं आशासु चतसृष्वपि ॥१५॥

Sugreeva met Rama and, at his behest, commanded the monkeys to search in four directions for Sita.

ततो हनूमतः पाणौ दधौ रामोऽङ्गुलीयकम्।
विश्वासाय तु वैदेह्या तद्गृहीत्वा स निर्ययौ ॥१६॥

Then Rama handed Hanuman a ring to win Sita’s trust. He took it and went (in search of Sita).

ततो हनूमत्प्रमुखा वानरा दक्षिणां दिशम्।
गत्वा सीतां विचिन्वन्तः पर्वतं विन्ध्यमाप्नुवन् ॥१७॥

Searching for Sita, the monkeys led by Hanuman went southwards and reached the Vindhya Mountain.

समयातिक्रमात्तत्र चक्रुः प्रायोपवेशनम्।
तेऽत्र सम्पातिना प्रोक्तां सीतावार्तां च सुश्रुवुः ॥१८॥

At the lapse of the time allotted to them (to find Sita) they decided to give up their lives by fasting. At that moment, they heard the news about Sita from Sampati .

ततः प्रापुरुदन्वन्तं अंगदाद्याः प्लवंगमाः।
तं विलंघयितुं तेषां न कश्चिदभवत् क्षमः ॥१९॥

The monkeys lead by Angada reached the sea shore. None of them was capable of crossing the sea.

स्वप्रभावप्रशंसाभिस्तदा जांबवदुक्तिभिः।
संवर्धितो महेन्द्राद्रिम् आरुरोहानिलात्मजः ॥२०॥

Roused by the words of praise about his power by Jambavan, Hanuman climbed the Mahendra Mountain.

॥ इति श्रीरामोदन्ते किष्किन्धाकाण्डः समाप्तः॥
Thus ends the Chapter on Kishkindha of Sri Ramodantam.

अथ सुन्दरकाण्डः॥
The Chapter on “Exploits of Hanuman”

अभिवाद्याथ सकलानमरान् पवनात्मजः।
पुप्लुवे च गिरेस्तस्मात् विलंघयितुमर्णवम् ॥१॥

Saluting all devas, the son of Vayu leapt from Mahendra Mountain to cross the ocean.

स समुल्लंघ्य मैनाकं सुरसामभिवाद्य च।
निहत्य सिंहिकां नीत्या परं प्राप महोदधेः ॥२॥

After crossing the Mainaka Mountain, saluting Surasa and tactfully killing Simhika , he reached the other side of the ocean.

लङ्काधिदेवतां जित्वा तां प्रविश्यानिलात्मजः।
सीतां विचिन्वन्नद्राक्षीत् निद्राणं निशि रावणम् ॥३॥

After subduing the deity presiding over Lanka, Hanuman entered the city and while searching for Sita, saw Ravana asleep at night.

अपश्यंस्तत्र वैदेहीं विचिन्वानस्ततस्ततः।
अशोकवनिकां गत्वा सीतां खिन्नां ददर्श सः ॥४॥

Not seeing Sita there (Ravana’s palace), while looking for her here and there Hanuman reached Asoka grove where he saw grieving Sita.

पादपं कञ्चिदारुह्य तत्पलाशैः सुसंवृतः।
आस्ते स्म मारुतिस्तत्र सीतेयमिति तर्कयन् ॥५॥

Climbing a tree, Hanuman hid himself completely among its leaves and sat there wondering whether or not she is Sita.

रावणस्तु तदाऽभ्येत्य मैथिलीं मदनार्दितः।
भार्या भव ममेत्येवं बहुधा समयाचत ॥६॥

Then, Ravana came to Sita love-stricken and repeatedly implored to her to become his wife.

अहं त्वदनुगा न स्याम् इत्येषा तं निराकरोत्।
काममन्युपरीतात्मा रावणोऽथ गृहं ययौ ॥७॥

Sita rejected him saying that she would not become his wife. Then, Ravana, lustful and angry, went back to his house.

गते तु रावणे सीतां प्रलपन्तीं स मारुतिः।
उक्त्वा रामस्य वृत्तान्तं प्रददौ चांगुलीयकं ॥८॥

After Ravana left, Hanuman told news about Rama to wailing Sita and gave her Rama’s ring.

तत्समादाय वैदेही विलप्य च भृशं पुनः।
चूडामणिं ददौ तस्य करे सा मारुतेः प्रियम् ॥९॥

Vaidehi took the ring and cried again bitterly and placed her favorite crest-jewel in Hanuman’s hands.

मा विषादं कृथा देवि राघवो रावणं रणे।
हत्वा त्वां नेष्यतीत्येनां आश्वस्य स विनिर्ययौ ॥१०॥

Hanuman consoled her saying, “Devi! Do not grieve. Rama would wage battle against Ravana, slay him and take you back” and left (Asoka grove).

नीतिमान् सोऽपि संचिन्त्य बभञ्जोपवनं च तत्।
अक्षादीनि च रक्षांसि बहूनि समरेऽवधीत् ॥११॥

Being a diplomat, Hanuman after due consideration, destroyed that garden and killed Akshakumara and numerous other Rakshasas in fight.

ततः शक्रजिता युद्धे बद्धः पवननन्दनः।
प्रतापं रघुनाथस्य रावणाय न्यवेदयत् ॥१२॥
Then, Hanuman, who was bound by Indrajit in battle, apprised Ravana of Rama’s valour.

रक्षोदीपितलांगूलः स तु लङ्कामशेषतः।
दग्ध्वा सागरमूत्तीर्य वानरान् समुपागमत् ॥१३॥

With his tail set on fire by the Rakshasas, Hanuman burnt whole Lanka and crossing the ocean joined the monkeys.

स गत्वा वानरैः साकं राघवायात्मना कृतम्।
निवेदयित्वा सकलं ददौ चूडामणिं च तम् ॥१४॥

Accompanied by the monkeys, Hanuman went to Rama, narrated all his deeds (in Lanka) and gave Rama Sita’s crest-jewel.

॥ इति श्रीरामोदन्ते सुन्दरकाण्डः समाप्तः॥
Thus ends the Chapter on “Exploits of Hanuman”
Of Sri Ramodantam

अथ युद्धकाण्डः॥
The Chapter on “Battle”

अथासंख्यैः कपिगणैः सुग्रीवप्रमुखैः सह।
निर्ययौ राघवस्तूर्णं तीरं प्राप महोदधेः ॥१॥

Thereafter, Rama departed along with countless batches of monkeys led by Sugreeva and reached the shores of the ocean.

तदा विभीषणो भ्रात्रा त्यक्तो राममुपागमत्।
लङ्काधिपत्येऽभ्यषिञ्चत् एनं रामोऽरिमर्दनः ॥२॥

Then, Vibheeshana, expelled by his brother, approached Rama and was crowned as the king of Lanka by Rama, the destroyer of enemies.

उक्तमार्गः समुद्रेण तत्र सेतुं नलेन सः।
कारयित्वा तेन गत्वा सुवेलं प्राप पर्वतम्॥।३॥

Shown the way to cross the ocean by Varuna , Rama got the bridge built through Nala and passing through that bridge, reached Suvela Mountain (in Lanka).

ततो राघवनिर्दिष्टाः नीलमुख्याः प्लवंगमाः।
रुरुधुः सर्वतो लङ्कां वृक्षपाषाणपाणयः ॥४॥

As per the direction of Rama, the monkeys led by Neela laid siege to Lanka from all directions, holding trees and stones in their hands.

रावणस्य नियोगेन निर्गतान् युधि राक्षसान्।
प्रहस्तप्रमुखान् हत्वा नेदुस्ते सिंहविक्रमाः ॥५॥

The monkeys, who were like lions in valor, roared after killing in battle the Rakshasas led by Prahasta as they came out as ordered by Ravana.

सुग्रीवश्च हनूमांश्च तथा राघवलक्ष्मणौ।
राक्षसान् सुबहून् युद्धे जघ्नुर्भीमपराक्रमाः ॥६॥
Highly courageous Sugreeva, Hanuman, Rama and Lakshmana, killed numerous Rakshasas in the battle.

रावणिस्तु ततोऽभ्येत्य समरे रामलक्ष्मणौ।
ननाह नागपाशेन नागारिस्तौ व्यमोचयत् ॥७॥

Then, the son of Ravana, in the ensuing battle, tied Rama and Lakshmana by the Serpent Astra and they were set free by Garuda, the enemy of serpents.

रावणो‍ऽपि ततो युद्धे राघवेन पराजितः।
कुंभकर्णं प्रबोध्याशु रामं हन्तुं न्ययुङ्क्त च ॥८॥

Thereafter, Ravana too was defeated by Rama in the battle. Ravana woke up Kumbhakarna at once and bid him to kill Rama.

ततो वानरसंघांश्च भक्षयन्तं निशाचरम्।
इन्द्रेणास्त्रेण रामोऽपि निजघान रणे भृशम् ॥९॥

Then, in a fierce battle, Rama used the Indra Astra and killed Kumbhakarna who was devouring hoards of monkeys.

ततो रावणसन्दिष्टौ देवान्तकनरान्तकौ।
हनूमदंगदाभ्यां तु निहन्तौ रणमूर्धनि ॥१०॥

Then, Devantaka and Narantaka , sent by Ravana, were killed by Hanuman and Angada in the peak hour of battle.

अथाऽतिकायमायान्तं रथमारुह्य वाहिनीम्।
अर्दयन्तं महाकायं लक्ष्मणश्चाऽवधीच्छरैः॥।११॥

Then, Lakshmana killed with arrows Atikaya , a huge bodied Rakshasa, who, coming in a chariot, wreaked havoc on the army.

ततो रावणसन्दिष्टः शक्रजित् राघवौ रणे।
ब्रह्मास्त्रेण च तौ बद्ध्वा वानरांश्चाऽवधीच्छरैः ॥१२॥
Then, Indrajit, under the orders of Ravana, tied Rama and Lakshmana using the Brahma Astra in the battle and killed the monkeys with arrows.

अथ जांबवतो वाक्यात् गत्वा चौषधिपर्वतम्।
मारुतिस्चौषधीस्तत्रादृष्ट्वा कोपं चकार सः ॥१३॥
Then, Hanuman went to the mountain of herbs, as per the advice of Jambavan, and not seeing the herbs on the mountain, became angry.

भूधरं तं समुत्पाट्य गृहीत्वा पुनरागतः।
तासां गन्धेन वै सर्वान् राघवादीनजीवयत् ॥१४॥

He uprooted and carried back the mountain itself (to Lanka) and brought back to life Rama and all others with the smell of the herbs.

रावणः कपिभिर्दग्धां पुरीं वीक्ष्य रुषाऽन्वितः।
न्ययुङ्क्त कुंभकर्णस्य पुत्रौ हन्तुं च राघवौ ॥१५॥

Seeing his city, burnt by the monkeys, Ravana, out of fury, deputed two sons of Kumbhakarna to kill Rama and Lakshmana.

अथार्दयन्तौ तत्सैन्यं वीक्ष्य तौ बलशालिनौ।
कुंभं रामोऽवधीद्बाणैः निकुंभं चात्मजो रवेः ॥१६॥

Then, seeing the two mighty Rakshasas destroying the armies, Rama killed Kumbha with arrows and Sugreeva killed Nikumbha .

ततः खरात्मजं तेन रावणेन प्रचोदितम्।
पीडयन्तं कपीन् बाणैर्जघानास्त्रेण राघवः ॥१७॥

Then Rama killed with arrows the Khara‘s son, who, sent by Ravana and was tormenting the monkeys with his arrows.

ततः सन्तप्तहृदयो रावणो युद्धदुर्मदम्।
प्रचोदयामास सुतं युद्धे हन्तुं स राघवौ ॥१८॥

Ravana, with a sorrowful heart, commanded his son Indrajit, who was unconquerable, to kill Raghava in battle.

नगरान्निर्ययौ तूर्णं इन्द्रजित् समितिञ्जयः।
मायासीतां विनिक्षिप्य सर्वेषां मोहनाय वै ॥१९॥

Indrajit, the winner of battles, left the city at once carrying a fake Sita in order to perplex everyone.
वानरेष्वपि पश्यत्सु हनूमत्प्रमुखेषु च।
जघान सीतां खड्गेन शितेन समितिञ्जयः ॥२०॥

As the monkeys led by Hanuman watched, Indrajit, the winner of battles, slew Sita with a sharp sword.

युद्धं त्यक्त्वा ततः सर्वैर्वानरैः स परीवृतः।
दुःखितो हनूमांस्तत्र यत्र रामोऽव्रजल्लघु ॥२१॥

Then, surrounded by all the monkeys, grieving Hanuman left the battle field and went quickly to where Rama was.

उपगम्याऽब्रवीद्रामं हनूमान्निखिलं तदा।
श्रुत्वा वृत्तान्तमखिलं रामो मोहमवाप सः ॥२२॥

After going close to Rama, Hanuman told him entire incidents. Hearing all these Rama collapsed.

विभीषणोऽथ संप्राप्य दृष्ट्वा रामं च मूर्च्छितम्।
विषण्णान् वानरान् वाचा सान्त्वयन्निदमब्रवीत् ॥२३॥

At that time, Vibheeshana came there, saw Rama unconscious and after consoling the grieving monkeys, told the following words (to Rama).

मिथ्या विषादं सन्त्यज्य जगन्नायक हे प्रभो।
शृणु मेऽभिहितं वाक्यं ज्ञात्वा रावणिमानसम् ॥२४॥
दुरात्मना कृता माया राक्षसेन्द्रसुतेन वै।
निकुंभिलायां होमं तु कर्तुं तेनाधुना किल ॥२५॥
लक्ष्मणं प्रेषयाद्यैव मया सह समन्त्रिणा।
कृते होमे तत्र रिपुरजय्यो भवति ध्रुवम् ॥२६॥

“Oh Lord of the Universe! Give up false sorrow and listen to my words spoken in your interest and knowing Indrajit’s mind.

This is only a delusion created by the evil minded son of the Rakshasa king, who is about to perform a Homa now at Nikumbhila .

Send today itself Lakshmana and some ministers along with me (to Nikumbhila), for if the enemy completes the Homa, he will surely become invincible.”

उवाच रामः सौमित्रिं राक्षसेन्द्रसुतं जहि।
गच्छेति शीघ्रं सुहृदा रावणस्यानुजेन सह ॥२७॥

Rama told Lakshmana, “Go there immediately along with your friend Vibheeshana and kill the son of the Rakshasa king.”

लक्ष्मणस्तु तदा रामम् आमन्त्र्य सविभीषणः।
निकुंभिलां प्राप तूर्णं इन्द्रजिद्यत्र वर्तते ॥२८॥

Taking leave of Rama, Lakshmana and Vibheeshana, hurried to Nikumbhila where Indrajit was camped.

अदर्शयद् भ्रातृपुत्रं धर्मात्मा स विभीषणः।
लक्ष्मणो भेदयामास राक्षसाञ्छरसञ्चयैः ॥२९॥

Vibheeshana, who was a righteous soul, pointed out his nephew to Lakshmana who struck the Rakshasas with heaps of arrows.

कृत्वा चिरं तत्र युद्धं ऐन्द्रेणास्त्रेण वै रुषा।
शिरश्चिच्छेद सौमित्रिः दशाननसुतस्य हि ॥३०॥

After battling for a long time, Lakshmana, using the Indra astra, cut off the head of the Ravana’s son in wrath.

स सुतस्य वधं श्रुत्वा रावणः शोककर्शितः।
नष्टधैर्यो विह्वलांगो विललापाकुलेन्द्रियः ॥३१॥
Hearing about the murder of his son, Ravana became crestfallen, feeble hearted, his limbs turned weak and his senses agitated. He lamented (as follows).

निरर्थकं तु मज्जन्म जल्पितं च निरर्थकम्।
येनाहमद्य पश्यामि हतमिन्द्रजितं रणे ॥३२॥

“Seeing today Indrajit killed in battle, my life has become a waste and my words devoid of meaning.

क्व गतोसि हतः शूर! मानुषेण पदातिना।
राज्याद् भ्रष्टेन दीनेन त्यक्त्वा मां पुत्र जीवितम् ॥३३॥

“O my brave son! Getting killed by a human, who is an insignificant foot soldier, banished from his own country, where have you gone leaving me alive?

इन्द्रं जित्वा तु तं बद्ध्वा लङ्कमानीय वै बलात्।
अकरोस्त्वं प्रतापेन काराग्रहनिवासिनम् ॥३४॥

“Conquering Indra, you forcibly bound him, brought him to Lanka and held him captive by your valour.

मोचयामास ब्रह्मा त्वां सान्त्वयित्वामराधिपम्।
तादृक्त्वं कुत्र मां त्यक्त्वा गतोऽद्य सुदुरासदः ॥३५॥

“Brahma had to pacify you and got the king of devas released. Where have you, so unassailable, gone today leaving me?

किं करिष्याम्यहं पुत्र! क्व गच्छामि वदाधुना।
नय मां यत्र गन्तासि तत्र ते न विलंबनम् ॥३६॥

“O son! Tell me now. What shall I do? Where shall I go? Without delay take me also to where you have gone.

लोकेषु त्वत्समो नास्ति तादृशस्य पिताऽस्म्यहम्।
इत्याशया स्थितं पुत्र गर्वितेन मयाऽत्र हि ॥३७॥

“O son! There is no one equal to you in this world. I was proud that I am the father of such a son.

धूम्राक्षो वज्रदंष्ट्रश्च कुंभकर्णः प्रतापवान्।
राक्षसा निहताः सर्वे प्रहस्तप्रमुखा अपि ॥३८॥
अनादृत्य तु तान् सर्वान् राक्षसान्‍ प्रहृतानपि।
अवष्टभ्य बलं पुत्र सुखेनावस्थितं तव ॥३९॥

“Valorous Rakshasa leaders like Kumbhakarna, Dhoomraksha, Vajradamshtra and Prahasta have all been killed.

“O my son! I didn’t take to heart the loss of all these great Rakshasas and was not worried as I relied on your strength.”

इत्येवं बहुधा तत्र विलप्य स तु रावणः।
अन्तर्नियम्य दुःखानि कोपं चक्रे सुदारुणम् ॥४०॥

After lamenting thus in a prolonged manner, Ravana overcame his grief and became livid with anger.

रथं सूत मयाग्रे त्वं क्षिप्रं कुरु जयैषिणः।
रामं सलक्ष्मणं हन्तुं निर्गमिष्याम्यहं गृहात् ॥४१॥
“O Charioteer! Bring the chariot at once in front of me who am eager to win. I am proceeding from my home to slay Rama and Lakshmana.”

इत्युक्त्वा रथमारुह्य शीघ्रं सारथिवाहितम्।
रामेण सह संगम्य युद्धं चक्रे सुदारुणम् ॥४२॥

Saying thus, Ravana went in the charioteer-driven chariot and engaged in a fierce battle with Rama.

ततो मातलिनाऽनीतं रथमैन्द्रं समारुहन्।
रराज रामो धर्मात्मा ह्युदयस्थो यथा रविः ॥४३॥

Then, Rama, the embodiment of righteousness, seated in Indra‘s chariot brought by Matali, glowed like the rising Sun.

चकार युद्धं तुमुलं देववृन्दे च पश्यति।
सीताहरणजात् कोपाद्रामो धर्मभृतां वरः ॥४४॥

As the assembly of devas watched, Rama, the best among the virtuous, enraged by the abduction of Sita, fought a tumultuous battle (with Ravana).

अथागस्तस्य वचनात् रावणं लोककण्टकम्।
जघान रामो लक्ष्मीवान्‍ ब्रह्मेणास्त्रेण तं रणे ॥४५॥

Then, on the words of counsel by Agastya, the victorious Rama, using Brahmastra, slew Ravana, the enemy of all worlds.

मन्दोदरी वधं श्रुत्वा भर्तुः प्रियतरस्य च।
विललाप रणं गत्वा कुररीव भृशातुरा ॥४६॥

On hearing about the death of her dearest husband, Mandodari, much afflicted with grief, went to the battle field and cried like an osprey.

विभीषणोऽथ रामेण सन्दिष्टः सह राक्षसैः।
चकार दहनं तस्य रावणस्य गतायुषः ॥४७॥

As directed by Rama, Vibheeshana and other rakshasas cremated Ravana, whose life had come to an end.

अथाग्निवचनात् सीतां रामो वीक्ष्य सुनिर्मलाम्।
सन्दिष्टो देववृन्दैश्च जग्राह पितृसन्निधौ ॥४८॥

Then, as attested by god Agni, Rama found Sita very chaste and on the advice of devas, took Sita to his father .

तवैव युक्तं कर्मैतत्सर्वलोकभयङ्करम्।
तद्वैदेह्या कृते राम सा तु लक्ष्मीर्भवान् स्वभूः ॥४९॥

“O Rama! This act of yours, which is fearful to all beings and which was performed by you for the sake of Sita, is appropriate indeed. She is Lakshmi and you are Vishnu.”

इत्येवं देवसंघैश्च मुनिभिश्चाभिपूजितः।
लक्ष्मणश्च तुतोषाथ रामो विश्वासमाययौ ॥५०॥

Becoming honoured by devas and sages with the above words, Lakshmana was pleased and Rama believed it.

विभीषणस्य धर्मात्मा सत्यसन्ध उदारधीः।
कारयामास लक्ष्मीवान् अनुजेनाभिषेचनम् ॥५१॥

Then, Rama, who was righteous, honest, generous and victorious, got the coronation of Vibheeshana performed by Lakshmana.

तथा पुष्पकमारुह्य सहमित्रैर्जगत्पतिः।
भार्यानुजाभ्यां सहितः किष्किन्धां प्राप राघवः ॥५२॥

Thereafter, Rama, the lord of the Universe, boarded the Pushpaka along with his wife, brother, friends and reached.

किष्किन्धानिलयाः सर्वाः कपीनां योषिताः प्रियाः।
सीताकुतूहलात्पुष्पं विमानं ताः समारुहन् ॥५३॥

Curious to see Sita, all the female monkeys residing in Kishkindha entered the Pushpaka Vimana .

अथ दाशरथिः श्रीमान् भरतं दृष्टुमिच्छया ।
भरद्वाजाश्रमं प्राप्तः तत्र तेन निवारितः ॥५४॥
Then, Rama, wishing to see Bharata, reached the hermitage of Bharadwaja (on his way) and was detained there by the sage.

भरतस्यान्तिकं रामः प्रेषयामास मारुतिम्।
रामस्यादर्शनाद्वह्निप्रवेशं कांक्षतो भृशं ॥५५॥

Then, Rama sent Hanuman to Bharata who, not seeing Rama, wanted very much to end his by entering into the fire.

तत्र तेन मुनीन्द्रेण सानुजः ससुहृद्गणः।
सन्तोषविवशेनाथ रामोऽपि विधिपूजितः ॥५६॥

There, Rama, his brother and friends were received with due respect by the great sage (Bharadwaja) who was overcome with joy.

रामोऽथ सह संगम्य भरतेनारिघातिना।
अयोध्यां प्राविशत्तूर्णं मातृभिश्चाभिनन्दितः ॥५७॥

Thereafter, Rama went to Bharata, the destroyer of enemies, entered Ayodhya with him at once and was greeted by the mothers.

अथायोध्यानिवासास्ते जनास्सर्वेऽपि तोषिताः।
अभिगम्याब्रुवन् रामं धन्या वयमिति द्रुतम् ॥५८॥

Then, all the residents of Ayodhya joyfully went to Rama and told him, “We all feel blessed”.

चातकस्तु घनान् दृष्ट्वा मयूराश्च यथा शिशून्।
आसाद्य मातरस्तोषं तथा प्रापुर्जना भुवि ॥५९॥

Just as the Chataka birds and the peacocks seeing the clouds or the mothers seeing their babies, all the citizens felt great joy (upon Rama’s arrival).

अथाभिषेकं रामस्य वसिष्ठाद्या मुदान्विताः।
सहिता मन्त्रिभिश्चक्रुः वसवो वासवं यथा ॥६०॥

Then, Vasishtha and other priests along with the ministers joyfully performed Rama’s coronation just as the eight Vasus performed the coronation of Indra.

अभिषेकोत्सवे सर्वे सुग्रीवाद्याः कपीश्वराः।
यथार्हं पूजिताश्चासन् सृग्गन्धांबरभूषणैः ॥६१॥

During the coronation celebration Sugreeva and other the monkey chieftains were suitably honoured with garlands, scents, cloths and ornaments.

विशिष्य मुक्ताहारेण सीतया हनूमान् मुदम्।
पूजितश्च तथा लेभे यथा सीतावलोकने ॥६२॥

Honoured specially with a pearl garland by Sita, Hanuman felt as happy as he was by looking at Sita.

सर्वासां वानरीणां च कौसल्या पुत्रवत्सला।
भूषणैर्भूषयामास वस्त्रचन्दनकुङ्कुमैः ॥६३॥

Kausalya, who was very affectionate towards her son, adorned all the female monkeys with ornaments, cloth, sandal and saffron.

रामाज्ञयाथ सर्वेऽपि सुग्रीवादिप्लवंगमाः।
किष्किन्धां लेभिरे कृच्छ्रात् श्रीरामविरहातुराः ॥६४॥

As bid by Rama Sugreeva and all the monkeys left for Kishkindha, saddened at separation from Rama.
अतिभक्तो दीर्घजीवी लङ्कासमरसाधकः।
अनुञ्जातः स रामेण लङ्कां प्रायाद्विभीषणः ॥६५॥

Taking permission from Rama, Vibheeshana, who was very pious and eternally living and was instrumental for the victory of Lanka battle, left for Lanka.

पितुः सिंहासनं प्राप्य भ्रातृभिः सहितोऽनघः।
विरराज तथा रामो यथा विष्णुः त्रिविष्टपे ॥६६॥

Rama, the sinless, after ascending the throne of his father, with his brothers in attendance, shone like Vishnu in heaven.

लक्ष्मणानुमते रामो यौवराज्यं तु दत्तवान्।
भरतायाप्रमेयाय प्राणात् प्रियतराय सः ॥६७॥

With the consent of Lakshmana, Rama gave the position of crown prince to Bharata, the immeasurably great and dearer to Rama than his life.

चत्वारस्ते महात्मानः सभार्याः रघुसत्तमाः।
खे सतारो यथा चन्द्रः तथा रेजुः स्वपत्तने ॥६८॥

Those four great men, who were the best among the descendants of Raghu , along with their spouses, shone in their city like moon among stars in the sky.

॥ इति श्रीरामोदन्ते युद्धकाण्डः समाप्तः॥
Thus ends the Chapter on “Battle” of Sri Ramodantam.

अथ उत्तरकाण्डः॥
The Chapter on Rama’s later life

राजा पर्यग्रहीदेव भार्यां रावणदूषिताम्।
इत्यज्ञजनवादेन रामस्तत्याज मैथिलीम् ॥१॥

Rama forsook Sita on account of the scandal by ignorant people that the king (Rama) took back his wife who was blemished by Ravana.

तद्विदित्वाथ वाल्मीmकिः आनीयैनां निजाश्रमम्।
अन्तर्वत्नीं समाश्वास्य तत्रैवावासयत् सुखम् ॥२॥

Then, knowing this, Valmiki brought pregnant Sita to his hermitage, consoled her and let her live there happily.

ऋषिभिः प्रार्थितस्याथ राघवस्य नियोगतः।
शत्रुघ्नो लवणं युद्धे निहत्यैनानपालयत् ॥३॥

Then, at the request of the sages and on the orders of Rama, Satrughna killed Lavanasura in a battle and protected the sages.

रामे हेममयीं पत्नीं कृत्वा यज्ञं वितन्वति।
आनीय ससुतां सीतां तस्मै प्राचेतसो ददौ ॥४॥

While Rama was performing a Yajna , after installing a golden statue in Sita’s place, Valmiki brought Sita and her sons and turned them over to Rama.

शङ्क्यमाना पुनश्चैवं रामेण जनकात्मजा।
भूम्या प्रार्थितया दत्तं विवरं प्राविवेश सा ॥५॥

Being suspected again by Rama, Sita entered the fissure created by goddess Earth to whom Sita had prayed.

अथ रामस्य निर्देशात् पौरैः सह वनौकसः।
निमज्य सरयूतीर्थे देहं त्यक्त्वा दिवं ययौ ॥६॥
Then, as bid by Rama, the citizens of Ayodhya and the monkeys drowned in the holy waters of Sarayu, left their bodied and went to heaven.

ततो भरतशत्रुघ्नौ निजं रूपमवापतुः।
रामोऽपि मानुषं देहं त्यक्त्वा धामाविशत् स्वकं ॥७॥

Then, Bharata and Satrughna obtained their original form. Rama too left his mortal body and entered his abode .

श्रीरामोदन्तमाख्यातं इदं मन्दधिया मया।
समीक्ष्य निपुणैसद्भिः संशोध्य परिगृह्यताम् ॥८॥

This story of Rama is narrated by me, a dim wit. The virtuous and learned men may carefully examine and rectify (where necessary) and accept this work.

यस्तु दाशरथिर्भूत्वा रणे हत्वा च रावणम्।
ररक्ष लोकान् वैकुण्ठः स मां रक्षतु चिन्मयः ॥९॥

Let the supreme spirit Vishnu, who incarnated as Dasarathi , killed Ravana in battle and protected the worlds, protect me.

॥ इति श्रीरामोदन्ते उत्तरकाण्डः समाप्तः॥
Thus ends the Chapter on “Rama’s later life” of Sri Ramodantam.
॥इति श्रीरामोदन्तं समाप्तम्॥
Thus ends the Sri Ramodantam, the story of Rama.